Hajj Visa Update: Over 58,000 Pilgrims Processed by NAHCON

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reported that they have already processed 58,000 visas for Nigerian pilgrims out of the 75,000 allocated to states’ pilgrims’ welfare boards. Despite a technical glitch that occurred during visa processing, scheduled airlift of pilgrims has not been affected. News reports suggested that 45,000 pilgrims might miss the holy pilgrimage due to non-availability of travel visas to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but according to NAHCON’s Deputy Director for Information, Mousa Ubandawaki, flight schedules are on course, and there have been no flight cancellations due to visa issues. More than 35,000 Nigerian pilgrims are now in the Holy Land, while the other pilgrims are expected to be airlifted in the next 10 days. Ubandawaki stated that all the states which are scheduled to fly are on course and without any disruption relating to visa procurement. In line with the available accommodation in the city and to avoid overcrowding, the airlift will bring fewer passengers than initially expected. The commission is determined to airlift every pilgrim to visit Madina before Arafat.